Naches Peak Loop
A 3.5-mile loop joins Tipsoo Lake, the Pacific Crest Trail, subalpine meadows, huckleberries, and a broad Mount Rainier view.
Artwork inspired by Abby Williams Hill
Naches Peak Loop gains about 500 feet while circling a rounded high-country peak beside Chinook Pass. The eastern half follows the Pacific Crest Trail through national forest, and the western half returns inside Mount Rainier National Park above Tipsoo Lake. Hiking clockwise saves the strongest Mount Rainier views for the second half rather than putting them behind the walker.
Snow can linger well into summer, while late-season huckleberries and meadow color attract heavy use. Start from the signed Tipsoo Lake area, stay on trail around the fragile lake shore, and check the seasonal status of SR 410. Dogs may use the PCT section outside the park but cannot legally complete the loop through the national park.
- Setting
- Enumclaw, Washington
- Approach
- Check park-entry and parking rules for the chosen trailhead
- Allow
- 2–5 hours
Quick guide
- Best direction
- Clockwise for Rainier views on the return
- Know the boundary
- Only the PCT segment permits leashed dogs
Walk the boundary
- Start
- Use the Tipsoo Lake trailhead west of Chinook Pass.
- PCT
- Follow the outside-park segment around the east side of Naches Peak.
- Rainier
- Let the mountain emerge across the meadowed west-side return.
- Protect
- Stay on trail, treat water, and leave pets behind for the complete loop.
Good to know
The route crosses between national forest and national park land, so rules change mid-loop. That boundary is especially important for pets, camping, and meadow protection.
Notice these
- compact high-country loop with meadows
- Pacific Crest Trail segment and Rainier-facing half
- 2–5 hours